“Whether they change coaches or not, the one who wants him in the end is Chelsea, Aston Villa are looking at some options and so are we, he wants to go out and play”- John Duran agent confirms Chelsea interest in signing Aston Villa striker this summer as he says player is weighing up option

Jhon Duran’s agent confirmed Chelsea’s interest in the Aston Villa striker while insisting Mauricio Pochettino’s exit is not an issue.

Jhon Duran has been a player on the periphery of Unai Emery’s plan during the recently concluded Premier League season. There were suggestions that the club would be willing to let him leave in January, and after a solid finish to the campaign, the Colombian could be back on the market.

A host of clubs from within the Premier League and abroad are seemingly monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation. Chelsea had been interested back in January, and they continue to admire the striker, but Emery wants to keep him for next season and beyond.

The Spanish manager suggested that Duran was part of his plans in a big way and that he would prefer to keep the club from selling him. However, Chelsea’s interest refuses to go away, meaning there’s some substance to the whole rumour linking the 20-year-old Premier League striker to a switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Colombian’s agent has now confirmed Chelsea’s interest via his comments on Caracol while insisting Mauricio Pochettino’s exit will have no bearing on the striker’s decision to switch.

He said, “The interest has always existed. The fact that Pochettino continues or leaves the club (should not affect), the one who wants him in the end is Chelsea. He is a player who, whether they change coaches or not, is something we will see what happens, but there has always been an interest. Let’s see how we can handle it and make sure Aston Villa is ready.”

With Villa set to play in their first UEFA Champions League campaign next season, Duran could have a role to play. But with the transfer market set to open shortly, Villa might sense an opportunity to ship him out.
“He is a player who has a contract with Aston Villa,” he said. “He ended up doing things very well and the coach is counting on him. It is a club that has gotten into the Champions League.

“It is a great opportunity, but we know that he wants to play, he wants to go out and play, let’s see. Now the market is opening, Aston Villa are looking at some options and so are we.”
Aston Villa finished fourth, two places above Chelsea, in the Premier League.

For starters, Duran has a long-term contract at Aston Villa, which gives the Birmingham side the power in negotiations. In any case, they know the value of a goalscorer and will demand a significant price should they eventually choose to sell.

Chelsea are eager to work out a deal differently, with suggestions that Aston Villa’s interest in Conor Gallagher could play it’s part. Whether the two clubs are open to discussing an exchange remains to be seen, but it’s certainly not ruled out.

As things stand, should Aston Villa guarantee Duran ample game time in the upcoming season, then the striker might choose to stay. Moreover, they are also in a position to offer Champions League football, something Chelsea cannot. Things could still change dramatically, as the summer window certainly promises to pack a few surprises.